Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana Announces the 4th Judicial District Youth Services Planning Board Relaunch to Improve Outcomes for Youth in Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes
The 4th Judicial District Youth Services Planning Board (4th JDC YSPB) proudly announces its relaunch with a renewed commitment to enhancing the lives of young people in Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes. This member-led board, comprising 11-25 community leaders, is dedicated to fostering accessible, culturally relevant services aimed at preventing and intervening in situations where children, youth, and families are at risk of entering the foster care or criminal/juvenile justice systems.
Operating under the guidance of Louisiana Act 555 of 2004, and with fiscal management provided by the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana, the 4th JDC YSPB adopts a systemic approach to its mission. This strategy emphasizes coordination and system improvements rather than direct programming, ensuring a broad, impactful reach across the community. The board’s principles include being evidence-based, data-driven, collaborative, and policy-focused.
As part of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2003 and Act 555 of 2004, Louisiana mandated each parish to form local children and youth planning boards. The primary purpose of these planning boards is to unite leaders from various child-serving agencies and organizations to formulate a comprehensive plan for developing, implementing, and operating services for children and youth in the parish based on a recent needs assessment, evidence-based prevention strategies, and cross-sector collaboration.
In 2005, the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana partnered with Judge Sharon Marchman (Judge of the Louisiana 4th Judicial District Court) and the Ouachita and Morehouse Parish Police Juries to organize and facilitate the 4th Judicial District Youth Services Planning Board. The board’s previous accomplishments include implementing an evidence-based parenting program for parents of justice-involved youth, addressing truancy within communities, mapping services for children, youth, parents, and families resulting in a published services directory, providing education about the need for evidence-based programs and practices, and increasing the capacity of existing and new evidence-based programs and practices.
The planning board met regularly until 2017 and relaunched in 2024. In its renewed efforts, the YSPB has identified two primary focus areas to address:
- Literacy: Targeting third grade reading proficiency to enhance school readiness and educational outcomes.
- Behavioral Health: Promoting trauma-informed approaches and improving access to quality clinical care.
To effectively tackle these focus areas, the board has established three specialized committees:
- Behavioral Health Committee: Aiming to enhance systemic access to behavioral health care and ensure the adoption of trauma-informed practices across agencies.
- Literacy Committee: Focusing on strategies to boost school readiness and third grade reading levels.
- Youth Committee: Ensuring that the experiences of young people directly affected by child welfare, health, education, and justice systems shape the board’s initiatives.
The 4th Judicial District Youth Services Planning Board is a member-led board of 11-25 community leaders across Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes dedicated to improving young people's outcomes. The Board’s mission is to promote accessible, culturally relevant services for the prevention, intervention, and treatment of children, youth, and families in or at-risk of entering the foster care or criminal/juvenile justice systems.
The YSPB encourages community representativesto join these committees. All committee members are expected to:
- Support the board’s mission by offering guidance, aligning resources, and developing new support mechanisms.
- Attend committee meetings regularly, which will occur between monthly and quarterly.
- Foster meaningful engagement with youth, families, and the community to ensure their voices are integral to the board’s work.
Throughout the summer of 2024, each committee will conduct a thorough analysis of existing data to develop and implement strategies that address systemic-level interventions. These plans will aim to enhance third grade reading proficiency, promote trauma-informed mental health approaches, and amplify youth voices in decision-making processes. Committees will convene approximately once a month, with meeting times agreed upon by members.
The 4th JDC YSPB invites all community members dedicated to improving youth outcomes to get involved. Together, we can create a robust support system that nurtures and empowers our children and youth, paving the way for thriving communities and a brighter future.
For more information, or interest in joining a committee please visit www.childrenscoalition.org
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About the 4th Judicial District Youth Services Planning Board: The 4th Judicial District Youth Services Planning Board is committed to systemic improvements that ensure children, youth, and families in Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes receive the support they need. Guided by evidence-based practices and community collaboration, the board aims to prevent the involvement of young people in foster care or the criminal/juvenile justice systems. The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana serves as its fiscal agent.
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The Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is dedicated to creating communities where children and families thrive. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we focus on fostering the physical, mental, and social well-being of children and adolescents through a comprehensive range of programs and services. Our initiatives address critical areas such as early childhood education, youth development, health and wellness, and family support. Founded on the principles of collaboration and community engagement, the Children's Coalition partners with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers to deliver evidence-based solutions that make a lasting impact. Through our work, we strive to ensure that every child in Northeast Louisiana can reach their full potential.
To learn more about our programs and how you can get involved, visit www.childrenscoalition.org and follow us @ccnela on Facebook and Instagram.
Children's Coalition for Northeast LA
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Brittany McNamara Development Director
- July 05, 2024
- (318) 323-8775
- Send Email